[2026] Graduation Songs That Move People in Their 20s

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

A heartfelt song by ONE OK ROCK that sings of the brilliance of friendship and youth.

Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” this track powerfully conveys the bonds with friends and the pursuit of dreams.

Its lyrics carry the message of “living in the moment,” gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

Released in October 2011, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth: Nobukazu Kuriki’s New Challenge.” Embraced as a warm, uplifting song that supports those graduating or embarking on a new journey, it continues to be loved by many.

DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE "Darling" Official Music Video

This song features a light rhythm that evokes the warmth of spring and a melody that gently embraces personal doubts and inner conflict.

It portrays, from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s characteristically down-to-earth perspective, the emotional wavering everyone experiences in youth—wondering whether it’s okay to be one’s true self.

Created as a symbol of the band’s new phase, it was produced as the theme song for the NHK General special program “Mrs.

GREEN APPLE 18 Festival” in January 2025, and its collaboration with 1,000 18-year-olds generated a huge response.

This track warmly and gently nudges forward those beginning a new chapter in life or searching for their authentic selves.

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Ikimono-gakari’s “YELL” is a song many young people sang at their graduation ceremonies, sharing in the emotion together.

It evokes memories of youth and gives you the courage to step into the future.

Its heartwarming melody and moving lyrics color moments of friendship and farewell.

In 2009, it was chosen as a set piece for NHK’s National School Music Competition and sung by many junior high school students, leaving a deep impression on countless listeners.

If you play this one song at the milestone of graduation, the memories of that day will come flooding back anytime.

Graduation Song ~Let Me Say Thank You Over and Over~GReeeeN

Sotsugyounouta Arigatouha Nanndomo Iwasete

I wish I could stay like this forever, but I have to set off…

This is a message song that sings of the bittersweet feelings and gratitude right before graduation.

Created by GReeeeN, it’s the coupling track to the single “Aisubeki Ashita, Isshun to Isshō o,” released in March 2014, and it’s also included on the best-of album “C, D desu to!?”.

It was featured in an AOKI commercial, cheering on the first steps into a new chapter of life.

Carried by a refreshing, warm melody, the straightforward lyrics make you want to say “thank you” over and over again, striking straight to the heart.

The harmony woven by the four voices is moving, making it a perfect song for a slideshow of memories with friends or an Instagram story to express your gratitude.

March 9Fujimaki Ryota

March 9

Music that gently wraps the days we spent together and our cherished memories is perfect for the start of graduation, isn’t it? This is the solo version by Ryota Fujimaki of the song Remioromen released in March 2004.

Set to a calm tempo, it portrays the radiance of a new beginning.

Through images of cherry blossoms that come to mind when you close your eyes and metaphors of light illuminating the future, it conveys not only the sorrow of parting but also the feelings of setting off on a journey filled with hope.

Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as an insert song in the 2005 Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This version was released in 2017 as part of Ryota Fujimaki’s solo work.

If you pair it with a message of gratitude or a memory video with friends, it may make those irreplaceable moments even more moving.

To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

This song is a staple among graduation tunes.

It’s a track by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released as their second single in June 1998.

Originally, the songwriter composed it in middle school to express gratitude to her mother, but its warm lyrics also resonate with the feelings we have for those who supported us at graduation.

Its simple, heartfelt melody has been featured as an insert song in the anime “Tsuki ga Kirei” and in commercials.

Singing of hope for the new paths ahead, this moving piece gives courage in times of parting and new beginnings.

It’s sure to be a song that gently nudges someone forward.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

This song portrays the hope that awaits beyond a heartrending farewell, carried by warm piano melodies.

Released by Nogizaka46 in November 2016, it is a memorable track in which Nanami Hashimoto served as center for the first time.

It was performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, moving the hearts of many.

It is a gentle, comforting piece that quietly supports those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who are about to take a new step forward.